Aldermen read for the first time, by title only with a short description, an ordinance authorizing the city to opt out of the Dark Skies Provision of the Arkansas Shielded Outdoor Lighting Act.

Aldermen also stressed that street lights are maintained solely by Entergy and not by the city's Department of Public Works.

According to the ordinance -- which council members said was recommended by the Arkansas Municipal League -- the act states public funds shall not be used to install an outdoor lighting fixture that is not shielded. Based on findings provided by Entergy, the additional cost of installing shielded fixtures is cost-prohibitive, and the prohibition against using public funds to install non-shielded street light fixtures shall not apply to the city.

An accompanying letter from Bruce Tucker, Entergy customer service manager, states the act requires changes to street lights and other outdoor lighting fixtures. The amended act, which takes effect July 31, allows a city or county to adopt an ordinance exempting it from the law if they determine it cost-prohibitive to install shielded light fixtures.

Other entities, such as schools and state offices that pay for lights with public funds, will still be required to install shielded fixtures only, the letter stated.

Alderman Phil Carruth asked if an Entergy representative could talk to the council about how many street lights are in Russellville and how many do not work through the city.

Mayor Raye Turner and Public Works Director Morgan Barrett then noted any resident can report a street light that doesn't work to Entergy via the electric utility's 1-800 outage telephone number.

"People call our office when they see street lights out, thinking we maintain them," Barrett said. "The city pays $165,000 a year for Entergy to provide maintenance for street lights."

Alderman Randal Crouch pointed out existing street lights would not have to be replaced, but street lights that are out would be replaced with a new type of four high-pressure sodium shielded lighting fixtures provided by Entergy.

"I'm really against this ordinance, because it is against building for the future," he said. "For us to opt out (of the act), it would save some money, but it would be very minimal in terms of the future."